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Favorite Things of 2007
2008-01-01 00:32:00
It's that time again! Every year, thanks to the coordination efforts of Annie at Blogdorf Goodman, fabulous bloggers come together and post their favorite things of the past year. 2007 was an interesting, painful, yet productive year for me and I am glad it is over. Although a LOT of people, things and habits will not make it into my 2008, there are a few beauty products, books, accessories and people that have earned the right to enter the new year with me! For the next four days I will list my "best of" for each of those categories, starting with the beauty products I can't live without!About Face: Beauty Products I Love1. Clarisonic Face Brush - The ONLY way to wash your face2. La Mer Moisturizing Gel Cream - My Skin Saver3. Phyto Phytophanere Vitamins - A daily dose for your hair4. Bobbi Brown Stonewashed Nudes Palette - My go to eye colors5. Borba Fiber Knit Facial Cleansers - Love them!Please visit the sites of my fellow bloggers to see their Best Of 2007 picks!15 Minute Be...
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Photograph Ready
2007-10-02 23:35:00
In honor of Ansel Adams and Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990–-2005, the Café des Artistes at the Corcoran hosts a new wine event on selected Thursday evenings as a unique way to experience these acclaimed photography shows. Several highly rated American wines from both regions and regional cheeses, such as Firefly Farm’s Merry Goat Round from Maryland and Tillamook Cheddar from Oregon, will be available. Tickets are $25 per person and include one admission ticket to the photography shows, two glasses of wine, and a fruit and cheese assortment platter. Space is limited and reservations are required; please call (202) 639-1786. November 1, 8, 15, and 29; December 6 and 13, 5:30 to –7:30 p.m.The Perfect Addition to Your WardrobeWe blame All About the Pretty for our new beauty obsession. I cannot stop thinking about the the Lip Wardrobe by Edward Bess. Ten lipsticks and five lipglosses, delicately scented with wild fig and packaged in a beautiful black lacquered box. Gradu...
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Get Your SPANX On
2007-10-02 21:04:00
For all purchases made at spanx.com from October 1-31, 2007 with the unique code WASHINGTON, you will receive 25% off of your order, and for each order you place, Span x will donate $5 back to the Junior League of Washington and it's literacy focused programs. This is a great opportunity to try SPANX for the first time or stock up for holiday party wardrobe solutions and gift giving. Spanx, the company that invented Footless Body-Shaping Pantyhose, offers more than 100 products to slim you down, shape you up, and help you look fabulous in your clothes! So go ahead Select any Spanx product(s) you would like to purchase at www.spanx.com. When you are ready to place your order, enter WASHINGTON into the promotion code box found on the last page of checkout and a 25% discount will be applied.

The Fundamentals
2007-09-22 02:00:00
As a child I rarely played with toys and sports were not my friend due to my severe asthma, so I turned to books for excitement and adventure. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) was one of my favorite organizations growing up.I am currently reading, Alek: From Sundanese Refugee to International Supermodel. Thanks to The Oracle Group, I was able to meet the beautiful Alek Wek in person and get my copy of her new book signed. I was totally honored when she told me how gorgeous she thought my freckles were! Alek is fabulous in person and her story is truly inspirational.The National Mall will turn into a book lovers dream next Saturday during the 2007 National Book Festival. Free and open to the public, the 2007 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by First Lady Laura Bush will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, here in Washington, D.C., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Junior League of Washington serves as the official provider of volunteers for ...
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P.S. Kiss
2007-09-02 00:18:00
"My fall collection was all about rich textures and deep saturated colors ? P.S. Kiss is the perfect bold stroke to go with the clothes, but it is still elegant and easy? - Peter SomP.S. Kiss, the third installment of Lancôme?s Pout-à-Porter series, will be available in limited quantities beginning October 1st at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Lancôme?s five U.S. boutiques, and lancome-usa.com. Call now to have your name placed on the waiting list near you.

At Last...
2007-07-29 18:08:00
After almost four years of deliberation I have finally decided to buy the Devi Kroell large hobo in Steel. I have wanted this bag since the fall of 2003, had many dreams about it and came very close to ordering it several times. Pre-purchase guilt always came over me as I was clearly an unemployed student and even though I could purchase it with a few allowance payments, I could still buy 2-3 bags with that money. Each and every time I opted to purchase a Marc Jacobs Venetia, YSL Scale Hobo or put the money towards a cultural excursion to Brazil. While everyone else in the US is going crazy over the Devi Kroell for Target line I am preparing to make the jump and purchase the metallic python beauty of my dreams. After a visit to Target and being completely un-wowed by the texture and look of the bags, I picked up a few tubes of Boots No. 7 Restore & Renew Serum and decided to order the real deal. I hope the Bag Snobs are proud of me.

A Little Retail Therapy
2007-07-21 04:03:00
Life has been really, really hectic lately. In addition to my 9-5, I have a contract gig that requires 20 hours a week and a capstone project to complete for my Non-Profit Management Executive Certificate Program at Georgetown. Of course even with a full schedule I had to make time for retail therapy. Here are a few of my July purchases...See more of my The J List July list at ThisNext.
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Capital Catwalk 2007
2007-06-20 23:58:00
In 2004, Simone's Butterfly, a DC based fashion branding company, created and produced the much celebrated Capital Catwalk fashion event to benefit The High Tea Society youth mentoring program. The 2007 Capital Catwalk Walk Advisor is Mr. Andre Leon Talley himself, so you know the event will be fabulous. The event will feature Tim Gunn and a runway presentation of the Rachel Roy Collection. The owners of Wild Women Wear Red will also be in the house.The mission of The High Tea Society is to alleviate community deterioration and juvenile delinquency by providing cultural and educational enrichment programs through afternoon tea for young inner-city girls between the ages of 9 - 18 who attend the District of Columbia Public Schools. Through art, music, literature, poetry, history, career planning, self-esteem workshops and a myriad of other programs at afternoon tea, these ...

The Comfort Zone
2007-04-23 01:55:00
Designer Spotlight: AquaPoniIn my quest to find comfty clothing that is child and teen friendly I also discovered the cutest line of hoodies. Founded by Los Angeles natives, Theresa Michelle and Kelli Marie, AquaPoni creates exclusive new-concept originals for men and women. Providing a fresh melee of rare vintage and repurposed clothing, ethnic jewelry and Boho-chic accessories, and undeniable couture style, AquaPonis unique selection affords reasonable prices for the most high-end shopper to the fashionista on a budget. Planting its first seeds with mostly friends and close acquaintances as customers, AP quickly branched out its accessories line throughout the Atlanta area. You can spot these bright, colorful pieces in boutiques such as at Bombay Gal, P. Valentine, Urban Fusion and Pieces of Adrene. I've ordered one in heather grey and cannot wait until it arrives!These Shoes Were Made for Walking...Whether it's running weekend errands, jetting to the 24 hour Kinkos in the middl...
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CLUTCH: fashion.beauty.life.culture
2007-04-02 01:48:00
Clutch Magazine has relaunched with a HOT new website and tons of great content. Please visit the site today and check out articles like Fearless Fashion ista, You're Making Me Blush and 10 Questions with June Ambrose.The CLUTCH ManifestoSmart is always sexy?Do it for yourself not someone else?Research is the key to a successful purchase?A girl should never leave home without her compact?Don?t be afraid to mix styles and colors?If he?s not into you?good?his lossLiving and learning is life?s best teacher?We dig men who recognize a mean shoe game?Staying involved in your community is essential?Diversity is what makes the world go round?Don?t date losers?pass them along to your enemies?The library is the hangout?Appearance is important?We live for good music and online shopping?We lead they follow?
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Lose One, Buy Three
2007-03-21 04:00:00
My want list is in full effect right now. Maybe it has something to do with one of my beloved bags being accidentally thrown out with the charity items by my boyfriend (please don't ask me which one, I am in too much pain to talk about it). I was quite hysterical until a friend reminded me that this loss can be used as an excuse to acquire new bags. Lose one, buy three.Furla Carmen Shopper - I love this slouchy, soft crocodile-embossed leather tote. Large enough for my Macbook; count me in for one in cactus.Aridza Bross Tote - The latest issue of Lucky Magazine contains a great bag guide. Last month their pages introduced me to the Ibiza Flight Bag, a great nylon carry all with an insulated pouch for my laptop. This month they featured this great Aridza Bross bag (see page 226 of the April issue) which I promptly ordered from Jennifer Miller NYC.Susan Farber - Uhm yeah, I want all of her bags. I am really in love with the Moltagrande Sophia in black and the Mezza Sophia in cream ...
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Luxe Link
2007-03-16 05:52:00
Luxe Link ™, based in Santa Monica was founded by 3 former New York University roommates, who now live glamorous lives in the most fashionable corners of the world. One diva works in Milan for an Italian fashion house, another former lawyer has settled down from her jetset life in Singapore and now runs Luxe Link™ operations full time and the third runs a snazzy interactive design agency in sunny Santa Monica. Their goal? To help every woman reach their vogue nirvana.The Luxe Purse Link has been invented to keep your purse off the icky ground, and kick your fabulocity factor up a notch! No larger than the size of Beyonce’s hoop earring, the Luxe Link is portable, lighter than your cell phone, and easy-peasy to use. Instead of a cumbersome traditional purse hook, the Luxe Link has a stylish chain that wraps around a swanky circular top, adorned with a modern, playful design. To whip it into action, simply unwind the chrome chain link, plop the stylish top onto the edge of the ta...

A Lot of Catching Up to Do...
2007-03-03 05:36:00
Wow, I have never went this long without posting! Please forgive me, I have been swamped with work, training and finding ways to squeeze in enough sleep to function. It looks like I surfaced just in time to catch the beauty events at Neiman Marcus and Saks. Well, not really. I don't have enough time to physically go to the store so I will be ordering online. I think I have decided on the Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation, Lip Twins (I will get several, the packaging is just too cute), Bronzing Powder, Eyebrow Enhancer Duo and an Eye Shadow Quartet. That's enough to get me the Saks Beauty Gift and YSL freebies. I would love to write more but I have a Mentoring Coordinator Certification class at 8:30 am tomorrow. Kudos to the Maryland Mentoring Partnership for picking a class location that is literally across the parking lot from a Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Off Fifth. Last week I returned from our lunch break with a new Theory top and Oscar de la Renta shades! Hopef...
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Designer Spotlight: Rachel Roy Fall '07
2007-02-03 07:22:00
The fabulous Rachel Roy presented her Fall 2007 collection in her midtown New York showroom on Wednesday, January 31. Staying true to her classic style, she introduced modern versions of her favorite essential pieces - the suit, the cocktail dress, the trench "I'm learning what works and what doesn't work, and what's modern," Roy told reporters after the presentation. "I still reference vintage constantly, in terms of the craftsmanship. But my world has gotten bigger, my team has gotten bigger and my collections are getting bigger. So it's just a matter of learning. I'm learning the art of editing and focus. So it's about simplifying, too." Her most recent interpretation of the trench is made from airy organza, with a gold paillette panel inset on the upper back.Fashion & PhilanthropyRachel has designed a t-shirt exclusively for Glamour to help support Children's Hope India, Inc., an organization that provides medical care, drinkable water, education and a consistent food sup...
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Designer Spotlight: B. Romanek
2007-01-31 04:39:00
Brigette Roma nek went from creating her very first handbag for friends to having the bag appear on the shelves of Barneys New York , not to mention in the pages of Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, in the space of just a few short months. In an effort to design the perfect Christmas gift for her girlfriends, she created the perfect clutch. The Rockstar, which is a favorite of stylish celebrities, is a wrap around clutch made from crocodile. The inside is lined in suede, and it comes in eleven colors ranging from a light Bone to a dark Midnight. Available at Barneys New York.
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Red Carpet Glamour: SAG Awards
2007-01-30 06:04:00
Reese Witherspoon may have found her winning fashion formula. She revisited her Golden Globe fitted cocktail dress and chic hair combination with a crystal-encrusted Nina Ricci sheath and loose updo. Jennifer Hudson embraces her curves (and looks fab if I do say so myself) in a lovely Michael Kors number. I hope the matronly dresses have been moved to the back of her closet. Nominated for Notes on a Scandal, Cate Blanchett looked stunning in a liquid bronze beaded Armani gown. I loved Joy Bryant's scarlet chiffon Valentino gown and loose curls. Other notables: Eva Longoria's Vera Wang gown and the Vanessa Williams comeback.
More About: Awards , Red Carpet , War , Glam , Award

Miu Miu, Lohan & Photoshop
2007-01-28 04:28:00
Following in the footsteps of Chinese actress Zhao Xun, Lindsay Lohan is now starring as the new face of Miu Miu. Shot in London, Lohan's spread is being used for the Spring 2007 ad campaign.The Miu Miu brand was created in 1993 following Miuccia Prada's specific desire to address to a clientele particularly attentive to the free and easy as well as to the sophisticated new tendencies. With this collection, Miuccia Prada expresses her vision of an alternative style, always characterised by a strong personality; the provocative innovation coexists with the classic, which is re-interpreted and updated. The line includes ready-to-wear, bags, accessories, shoes and glasses for men and women. Miu Miu can be defined as: Urban, young, sophisticated and sensual, an alternative vision.It's amazing what can be done with Photo shop.
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Lookbook Inspiration
2007-01-27 04:21:00
A relative newcomer to the system of image production, the 'look-book' evolved out of the culture of catalogues produced by fashion companies at the end of the 1980s. Through these lavishly produced pamphlets, brands were able to suggest a more artistic interpretation of their garments than offered by editorial found in contemporary mainstream magazines. The most directional examples of these catalogues were produced by Japanese designers, perhaps most notably Yohji Yamamoto. Today, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book serves as a wonderful example of a lookbook at its' best. To create a Look Book to help inspire your daily fashion and beauty choices start by gathering magazine images of your favorite looks. I use page protectors for each sheet and store them in a 3 ring binder. For virtual lookbook options visit Style.com and Adore Vintage..
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The Award Goes To.....
2007-01-16 23:21:00
Reese Witherspoon for wowing us with a yellow silk floral jacquard dress by the new man at Nina Ricci, Olivier Theyskens.Golden Globe Highlights:Salma Hayek's Glossy TressesThe "confusion" caused by Vanessa Williams and her HUGE HAIR. It completely ruined her dress.Penelope Cruz in a black Chanel couture gown designed just for her by Karl Lagerfeld.Beyonce's dramatic red carpet pose...was she kidding?Notable Wins:Helen Mirren, Best Actress, Drama for The QueenForest Whitaker, Best Actor, Drama for The Last King of ScotlandBabel, Best Picture, Drama
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Fashion History: Paul Poiret
2007-01-14 02:29:00
Born in 1879, Paul Poiret was a couturier based in Paris before the First World War, during the Belle Epoque. He was taken on by the fashion designer Jacques Doucet as a draughtsman. When he completed his apprenticeship with the House of Worth in 1904 he opened up his own fashion house, and by 1907 had produced a revolutionary style. Poiret was the first designer to break away from the soft shades of the late Edwardian style and use vibrant primary colours. "It was," he declared, in My Fifty First Years "in the name of Liberty that I proclaimed the fall of the corset and the adoption of the brassiere which, since then, has won the day. Yes, I freed the bust, but I shackled the legs." This , of course, is a reference to his creation of the 'hobble' skirt. He also was famous for designing luxurious oriental and Art Deco gowns. He was the first couturier to launch his own perfume (named Rosine after his eldest daughter) and he also launched the suspender belt, flesh-coloured stocking...
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Designer Spotlight: Stacey Lapidus
2007-01-10 05:01:00
Stacey Lapidus, known for her unique style and charm, has spent the last ten years in the fashion and accessories industry, always with an eye towards designing her own signature collection. Her vast knowledge of accessories has given her the distinct ability to forecast trends. Her designs, much like her personality, stand for individual style, versatility, and sophistication.Her jewelry collection, featuring necklace scarves, bracelets and bangles, evolved from Lapidus’ appreciation of antique jewelry. She employs the same refined sensibility and attention to detail as she does with her handbags, to create unexpected blends of delicate crystals paired with fabrics such as velvet, silk and chiffon--a celebration of pure modern luxury. Created for women who embrace fashion in a manner that is playful and stylish, while infusing the classic with the unexpected, Lapidus converges antique artistry, refined luxury and contemporary attitude.Urbane Girl's Favorite Item: Silk and Crysta...
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DC Restaurant Week Is Here!
2007-01-05 00:20:00
January 8 will be the first day of the '07 Winter DC Rest aurant Week ponsored by the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corp. and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. For more info read my web coverage of the event HERE. UPDATE: Extended DC Restaurant WeekLike past Restaurant Weeks, a few restaurants have extended the deal for another week and some for the entire month. Here 's the list and the details about each. Whole Month of January:21P,Colvin Run Tavern,Dino, Oya, Urbana (though March 31st!)Extra Week:ButterField 9,Farrah Olivia,Mie n Yu, Willow (until the Jan 20th)Enjoy!
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52 Books, 52 Weeks
2007-01-04 01:09:00
My first project for 2007 was starting a 52 books in 52 weeks program. The first book on my list is The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. This is actually a re-read for me, but I loved the book so much I thought it would be the perfect starter. Each week on Sunday I will post a review of the book I've just completed and the title of my next read. Feel free to suggest titles and authors in the comments section.Even for a bookaholic, finding the time to read can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some suggestions to help you fit reading into your weekly schedule:Tip #1: Make big use of small opportunities.Read while you wait. Whether you are waiting at the doctorÂ’s office or are waiting in line at the post office, reading can make the wait fly by. You'll be surprised at how quickly those minutes spent waiting and reading add up.Tip #2: Always have a book with you.If you always have a book available to you, then you will be more likely to fit reading into free moments through...
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Bobbi Brown - Spring Violet
2006-12-30 09:41:02
"I was inspired by wild flowers that I saw while traveling out west. Violet makeup shades are fresh, pretty and vibrant." - Bobbi Brown The Violet Face Palette has everything you need to update your look for spring. This limited-edition palette includes seven shades designed to flatter a wide range of skin tones: three Eye Shadows, one Blush, and three Lip Glosses.$50 bobbibrowncosmetics.com
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Favorite Things 2006
2006-12-30 09:41:02
The products and purchases I fell in love with during 2006. Bag Lady I have always been and will always be a bag lady. 2006 was a good year for my collection as I added the following:Chloe Edith Bag in Whiskey - Designer Pheobe Philo's homage to the classic kelly bag has all the style and hipness of the Paddington without the extra poundage.Yves Saint Laurent Muse Bag in Black Patent - With it's patent leather exterior, topstitching and glam gold hardware this bag became a staple in my work wardrobe.Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30 - My everyday carryall.About Face2006 was the year that I discovered makeup. Yes, this former lipgloss only girl began exploring the world of eyeshadows, mascara and lipstick.Chanel Inimitable Mascara - My lashes have never looked better. Volume, length, curl and separation. Nuff' said.Smashbox Photofinish w/ SPF 15 - SPF 15 and moisturizing Dermaxyl Complex have been added to the fabulous Photo Fini...
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In The News: Rachel Roy
2006-12-19 21:32:02
Urbane Girl, Rachel Roy is featured in current issue of the NY Times Style Magazine as part of ?The Originals? story with Stephanie Seymour, Ronnie and Vidal Sassoon, Kelis, Sean Lennon, Emily and Zooey Deschanel, Louloe de la Falaise, Michael Govan and Katherine Ross, and Zoe Cassavetes. Her iconic inspiration? ?I love how Hitchcock dressed his women?, she said. ?He always did them classic, but at the same time they were sexy?. Below is another picture of Rachel in the November issue of Vogue.
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Table Top Glamour: Cocktails
2006-12-18 03:29:02
In a lusciously illustrated volume, Amy Sacco, the ultimate cocktail cognoscente, restores the spirit of this very sexy drink, sharing favorite recipes from her exclusive nightclubs including Lot 61 and Bungalow 8.The restaurant and bar owner credited with converting New York City?s Chelsea into the go-to party destination also reminisces on the most important ?cocktail? moments of the past decade, and offers tips on how to serve them with flair. Assouline, the educator on style, punctuates the book with the latest in bar and stemware?the perfect holiday gift.Amy Sacco is the owner of Lot 61, Bungalow 8 and most recently the restaurant Bette.$18.95 @ Assouline
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Wrap Up
2006-12-18 03:29:02
The Barila Beatrice dress provides an updated look to the classic wrap dress. $160 @ Teenypig
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Clean In Style
2006-12-18 03:29:02
Karim Rashid has designed the ideal tool for stylish consumers who like to keep things tidy!Functional or beautiful? You want both. The perfect balance of sleek and smart. You're punctual. You're thorough. You're dapper. Your home is a temple of organization, and you're always looking for the latest solutions to employ in your system. Putting a Charcoal KONE on display will speak volumes about your savvy - in an understated manner, of course.This cordless handheld vacuum hides a powerful 7.2 volt motor, easy-to-empty bagless dirt cup, and charging base. The top of the KONE is the handle of the hidden vacuum; simply twist it to remove the vacuum from the charging base. The KONE stands 18" high and weighs less than 2 pounds. Comes In 5 Other Fun Color Options - White Illuminated, Champagne, Charcoal, Light Pink, and Plum$39.99 - $49.99 at Dirtdevil.com
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I Love Tamia
2006-12-18 03:29:02
Since her last album, More, Tamia is trying to do it all-being supportive of her husband Grant Hill and his career, mother of four year-old Myla Grace (Myla means merciful taken from the Bible 'mercy and grace'), and working with charities like Prevent Child Abuse America (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/); Habitat For Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/); Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness in Canada (http://www.mssociety.ca/); and, an African American art collection currently touring the US.
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